The Centre already has existing relationships with companies such as Rolls Royce, British Telecom, Shell, General Electric, IBM, Coca Cola, Samsung and Unilever, and other academic institutes including Cornell University, Erasmus University and INSEAD, through the Global Human Resources Research Alliance Study which examines best practice and key themes in global human resource management.
By developing the Centre’s academic partnerships it will bring together the HR researchers to generate fresh understanding of the processes and practices by which international organisations manage their people. This research will be guided by the interests of the companies within the Centre.
CIHRM also offers a range of executive education programmes to its corporate partners on organisational development and change issues, as well as consultancy support to assist them with the transition from “concept to action”. In addition, they will have unique access to networking opportunities via regular roundtables where they can discuss in confidence with other HR Directors, the major people issues facing their organisations, and an annual global HR symposium which will feature HR thought-leaders.
Dr Philip Stiles, Director of CIHRM, said: “Our partnership approach will provide a forum for intellectual thought-leaders and practitioners throughout the world to collaborate and shape relevant, rigorous research agendas. Our aim is to be a real source of distinctiveness and expertise. With companies operating in increasingly difficult environments, key issues such as managing talent, improving employee performance and developing leadership skills are paramount, as well as how to make tough choices such as restructuring, downsizing and offshoring. Our Centre draws on a high profile network of academics and industry experts to assess the major challenges facing international organisations.”